City Hotel group knew nothing about the closure

Austins was founded in 1830 and was the world's oldest independent department store.

Published:16:32Tuesday 08 March 2016

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The City Hotel group, who own the Austin building in the Diamond say there given no advance notice of the closure of the building this morning and only learned about it through the media.

Ireland’s oldest department store closed its doors this morning with 53 staff being told they have lost their jobs.

The store did not open for business and shutters remain down.

In a statement issued to the Journal City Hotel Directors said: “It is with regret that the Directors of the City Hotel have learned from media reports of the closure of the business operated by the trading company known as Hassonzender Ltd in the Austin building at the Diamond Derry.

“However to avoid any misunderstanding in the press we would point out that the City Hotel Group have no involvement in the trading business conducted by Hassonzender Ltd . We were not consulted about, nor did we have any notice of this closure. Any further questions regarding this should be directed to the Liquidator appointed to deal with the Trading company.”